Port of Baltimore sets three records in 2013

The Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals had a record year in 2013 for handling automobiles, containers and wood pulp, the Maryland Port Administration announced Tuesday.

Baltimore also ranked as the top port in the U.S. for a number of commodities — automobiles, farm and construction machinery, and imported forest products, sugar, aluminum and gypsum.

The port’s previous record for cars handled was set in 2012, at 652,000. In 2013, the port handled 749,100 cars.

It handled 591,570 tons of wood pulp in 2013, which is used to make napkins, tissues and paper towels, beating a 2011 record.

Overall, Baltimore ranked ninth in the U.S. for the total dollar value of cargo and 14th for cargo tonnage.

Business at the port directly accounts for more than 14,000 jobs, officials said, adding that the recent addition of a 50-foot deep container berth and four supersized cranes has boosted the outlook for the facility.